Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Experience the comforting embrace of this Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Garlic Pasta, where tender roasted cauliflower and sweet garlic blend into a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Finished with savory parmesan and fresh herbs, this Italian-inspired vegetarian dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners that feel indulgent yet wholesome.

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This dish effortlessly combines simple ingredients to create something truly special—golden roasted vegetables blended into a velvety sauce that complements the pasta perfectly. Fresh herbs and parmesan bring brightness and richness, transforming humble cauliflower into a star ingredient.

Ingredients

• Vegetables
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
• Pasta
  • 350 g (12 oz) pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• Dairy & Liquids
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk
  • 45 g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
• Seasonings & Garnish
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare vegetables

Toss cauliflower florets, garlic cloves, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Roast

Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cauliflower is golden and tender.

4. Cook pasta

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 180 ml (3/4 cup) pasta water, then drain pasta.

5. Blend sauce

Transfer roasted cauliflower, garlic, and onion to a blender or food processor. Add heavy cream, milk, parmesan, and half of the reserved pasta water. Blend until completely smooth. Add more pasta water as needed until sauce is creamy and pourable.

6. Combine and heat

Return cooked pasta to the pot. Pour the cauliflower sauce over the pasta and toss to coat. Heat gently over low heat for 1–2 minutes, adding extra pasta water for a silkier sauce if desired.

7. Season and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a smoother sauce consistency, blend the vegetables thoroughly and adjust with reserved pasta water until silky. Roasting the cauliflower and garlic until golden brings out their sweetest flavors. Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should retain a firm bite for the best texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, replace heavy cream and milk with unsweetened plant-based alternatives and swap parmesan for nutritional yeast. Boost the veggie content by adding sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach. You can also use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.

Serviervorschläge

This creamy cauliflower pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Garnish with extra parmesan, fresh parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the flavors. A drizzle of olive oil and crushed red pepper flakes add a nice finishing touch.

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With its simple ingredients and approachable steps, this Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Garlic Pasta is proof that comfort food can be both nourishing and elegant. Whether for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, it’s a dish to enjoy and share.

Recipe Help & FAQs

→ How do you achieve the creamy texture in the sauce?

The creamy sauce is made by blending roasted cauliflower, garlic, onion, heavy cream, milk, parmesan, and reserved pasta water until smooth and silky, allowing adjustment of consistency.

→ Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, by substituting cream and milk with unsweetened plant-based alternatives and using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, the dish becomes vegan-friendly.

→ What pasta types work best for this dish?

Long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine, as well as penne, work well to hold the creamy cauliflower sauce.

→ How does roasting the cauliflower and garlic affect the flavor?

Roasting caramelizes the cauliflower and garlic, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a rich, deep flavor to the sauce.

→ Can additional vegetables be added?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach can be added for extra texture and nutrition without overpowering the creamy sauce.

→ What garnishes complement this dish?

Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil, extra parmesan, lemon zest, and optional crushed red pepper flakes add brightness and contrast to the creamy sauce.